The watermelon season got off to an early start in most growing areas, but with an early finish to the Florida season, reduced yields from Mexico and hailstorms pounding the Texas crop, supplies are not as abundant as had been predicted, resulting in potentially tight supplies for the Fourth of July on the East Coast and significantly higher pricing than 2011 in all areas.

The week of May 14, prices for seedless watermelons were varying between 16 and 20 cents per pound, well above the 10-12 cents they were fetching at the same point last year.

Ronnie Cohen, vice president of sales for Vision Import Group in River Edge, NJ, told The Produce News that the company has formed a strategic alliance with Ben Brittain, a highly seasoned produce professional, in Pharr, TX.

Peak of the Market, a grower-owned vegetable supplier based in Winnipeg, MB, announced that Mark Zachanowich has joined the company as vice president of operations.

CCOF and Oregon Tilth, two of the nation's leaders in the organic movement and certification, have announced plans to merge. Together as CCOF Tilth, the two organizations will strengthen the visibility and voice of organic, one of the fastest growing sectors of U.S. agriculture. Membership of both organizations will be asked to ratify the merger before Oct. 31.

The Oppenheimer Group has been synonymous with New Zealand apples and pears for over 60 years. But 2012 will have more flavor than ever, thanks to new partnerships with old friends.

Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations for Glassboro, NJ-based Sunny Valley International Inc., said the company’s growing partner, Manetta, SC-based Cotton Hope Farms, started picking peaches in early May, which is about 10 days ahead of normal.